May 2009 Archives

Is it possible to point out, with accuracy, the exact moment when your children's time becomes their own? When it stops being cool to be with the family without any friends along? When does a "Family Vacation" go from being just that to being a trip where you are simply paying for your daughter and her best friend to enjoy a free week at a great resort? And, what can we do to make the most of that time that we do have together?

I look at my own extended family and see that even the younger ones (around 7 or 8) started having a friend attached at the hip at everything from family celebrations to week-long vacations. I look at my own son and I wonder how long I have until he deems it "boring" to be in the mountains or at the beach - with just "us".

The playground. Bright colors, fun stuff to do, exercise for your kids. Free and easily accessible. What's not to love, right?

Did you know that it is estimated that, each year, over 200,000 children will visit the emergency room because of a severe injury due to a playground-related accident? Or, scarier yet, that approximately 15 children will die from playground-related injuries?

Ladies, let's be frank: You are doing your kids NO good when you're crabby, stressed out and on edge.

It makes you feel lousy, your kids are afraid to do something to set you off and your husband is thinking that perhaps you are losing it. Not good.